Oct 15, 2025

Fairchance

Bert Marion “Spanky” Pritchard, Sr., 72, of Fairchance, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. He was born March 13, 1953, in Fairmont, W.Va., a son of Bert and Minnie Merrill Pritchard. Bert lived a life marked by resilience, devotion and unwavering love for family.

In addition to his parents, Bert was preceded in death by his brothers, William and Robert Pritchard.

A proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, his strength and determination carried him through many challenges in life, including living with disabilities, that he faced with quiet courage. Despite these hardships, his greatest source of strength and joy was always his family.

Bert shared 53 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bessie Fast Pritchard. Together they built a strong and loving home filled with laughter, support and enduring commitment. Their children – Trina Strozyk and fiance John Young, Bert Pritchard, Jr. and wife Kelli, David Pritchard and wife Jamie, Jonathan Pritchard and wife Jessica Russell – were the pride of his life. He was a cherished grandfather to Samantha, Amanda, Collin, Averie, Alexia, Aiden, and Bailey; and a loving great-grandfather to Russell, Kellan and Amirah.

Though deeply missed by all who knew him, he is now reunited in peace with his great-grandson, Jalen Whitten.

Bert is also remembered by his brother, Thomas Pritchard and wife Gloria Sue; sister- in-law, Elizabeth Ann Pritchard; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who held him dear.

Family was the cornerstone of Bert’s life. He lived for them finding purpose in their happiness and strength in their love. His legacy is one of perseverance through adversity and deep family devotion.

Although he will be missed beyond measure by those who loved him most, there is comfort in knowing that he is at peace with Jesus.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A visitation will be held from 1 until the memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, with Pastor Michael Lyons officiating, in the GOLDSBORO-FABRY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 21 E. Church Street, Fairchance. Full military rights and honors will be accorded by General George C. Marshall AMVETS #103. Visitors are welcome to come before the visitation, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Bert’s back entrance of his residence to meet and greet his family. There will be no gathering after his memorial service so his wife and children can have their final closing.

Condolences for the family are welcome at goldsboro-fabry.com